The Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite is an American ship-based helicopter with anti-submarine , anti-surface threat capability, including over-the-horizon targeting. This aircraft extends and increases shipboard sensor and weapon capabilities against several types of enemy threats, including submarines of all types, surface ships , and patrol craft that may be armed with anti-ship missiles . It was originally developed for the United States Navy in the 1980s as a reengined and updated version of the older Kaman SH-2 Seasprite which had been serving since the 1960s in a variety of versions.
100-790: The G model was an evolution of the SH-2F, which was an important ASW aircraft for naval vessels that could not manage a larger helicopter. The SH-2G entered service in the 1980s and served until 2001 with the U.S. Navy. It went on to serve in several other Naval forces into the 21st Century and is still in active service in several countries. The SH-2G's primary missions include anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, anti-ship missile defense, and anti-ship surveillance and targeting. Secondary missions may include medical evacuation, search and rescue, personnel and cargo transfer, as well as small boat interdiction, amphibious assault air support, gun fire spotting, mine detection and battle damage assessment. In 1985,
200-578: A A$ 667 million contract with Kaman to purchase 11 upgraded Super Seasprites. By 2005, up to 40 deficiencies in the helicopter had been identified, including the inability to operate in bad weather and low-light conditions, and its failure to meet Australian airworthiness standards. The helicopters were initially restricted to transport duties during good weather before being grounded in May 2006. By early 2007, ten Super Seasprites had been delivered to 805 Squadron . In February 2007, The Australian announced that
300-680: A Foreign Military Sale in September 2010. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ordered 16 S-70B-2s which were delivered in 1988 and 1989. In December 2017, the S-70B-2s were retired from service. The S-70B-2 served extensively in the Middle East, embarked on the Adelaide -class and the Anzac -class frigates . 11 S-70B-2 were sold to Skyline Aviation Group. Under Project AIR 9000 Phase 8,
400-821: A "Multi Role Helicopter" and refers to a native species of snake . The first MRH-90 entered service in December 2007 with the Army. Six MRH-90s would be operated by 808 Squadron of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), which was reformed in 2011 and recommissioned in 2013. Overall, there were 46 airframes in service, with a 47th kept as a spare. The first airframe took flight in Marignane, France in March 2007, to be delivered to Australia that year. The first two were delivered in December 2007. Out of 46, 42 of
500-676: A 10-year agreement with the US Navy to support the MH-60R. The Department of Defence in the 2020 Force Structure Plan reported it planned to expand and rationalise the RAN's MRH-90 Taipan fleet used for support and logistics. In October 2021, the US approved a Foreign Military Sale to Australia of 12 MH-60Rs. In May 2022, the Australian government announced that it would purchase 12 MH-60Rs to replace
600-732: A 7.62 mm PK machine gun on pivot mounting. Beginning in 1991, the US Navy received 24 SH-2Gs, which were assigned to US Navy Reserve units. The Super Seasprite entered service with HSL-84 in 1993. The SH-2 served in some 600 Navy deployments and flew 1.5 million flight hours. The Navy Reserve squadron HSL-84 retired the last of the helicopters in June 2001. Data from The International Directory of Military Aircraft General characteristics Performance Armament Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists SH-60B Seahawk The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk (or Sea Hawk )
700-789: A MRH-90 suffered a single engine failure near Adelaide , landing safely at RAAF Base Edinburgh , with NHIndustries personnel investigating the cause. On 18 May, the ADF announced that the MRH-90 fleet was grounded due to engine issues since the April incident. All MRH-90s used the Rolls-Royce Turbemeca RTM322 . The cause of the failure was determined to be the compressor blade contacting the engine casing, leading to new preventative inspections; flights resumed in July 2010. In June 2011,
800-474: A choice of fuselage -mounted machine guns, including the M60D, M240D, and GAU-16 (.50 caliber or 12.7 mm) for self-defense. The standard aircrew is one pilot, one co-pilot, one tactical sensor operator (TSO), and one acoustic sensor operator (ASO). The SH-60F was operated by the U.S. Navy's Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons, until they were redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons and transitioned to
900-540: A civil emergency. At the time of the retirement the NH90 was in service with a dozen nations and was noted for some serviceability issues with Norway also withdrawing the helicopter from service. The Department of Defence offered the MRH-90s for sale to other NH90 operators after they were retired from service. No sales eventuated with work to dismantle helicopters for spare parts commencing in late 2023. New Zealand
1000-413: A gun mount for the cabin door. The Taipan Gun Mount could fit either a M134D minigun or MAG 58 machine gun and when not in use, could be moved into an outward stowed position to provide clearance to enable fast roping and rappelling. The weapons could not be fired while a soldier exited the aircraft as the door was not wide enough requiring the Army to implement "tactical workarounds" when operating
1100-483: A magnetic anomaly detector. Offensive capabilities are improved by the addition of new Mk-54 air-launched torpedoes and Hellfire missiles. All Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) squadrons that receive the 'Romeo' are redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons. In 1997, the Navy decided to replace its venerable CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. In 1998, the Navy awarded a production contract to Sikorsky for
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#17328008450341200-698: A mid-life technology insertion project is replaced by APS-153 Multi-Mode Radar with Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination (ARPDD) capability. Both radars were developed by Telephonics , a more advanced AN/AQS-22 advanced airborne low-frequency sonar (ALFS) jointly developed by Raytheon & Thales , an ARC-210 voice radio by Rockwell Collins , an advanced airborne fleet data link SRQ-4 Hawklink with radio terminal set ARQ-59 radio terminal, both by L3Harris , and LN-100G dual-embedded global positioning system and inertial navigation system by Northrop Grumman Litton division. Beginning in 2020, CAE's MAD-XR were fielded on MH-60Rs, providing it with
1300-466: A ramp at the rear. Years after introduction the design of the side doors became a subject of discussion, as they were not wide enough for certain combat situations, which led to the Army implementing "tactical workarounds" when operating with the MRH-90. The special operations capable variant added a Fast Roping and Rappelling Extraction System (FRRES) and a gun mount for the cabin door. In 2004, Australia announced it would order 12 NH90s to supplement
1400-735: A reinforced upper fuselage to support the heavier new engines. The SH-2G also has multifunctional displays and new avionic systems. The Navy began receiving Airborne Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) hardware with the Kaman Magic Lantern laser mine detection system in December 1996. The US Navy's final production order of the SH-2F was in Fiscal Year 1986 with the last six orders switched to the SH-2G variant. The USN SH-2G entered service in 1993. This section covers operators of SH-2G Super Seasprite variant, for operators of earlier types see
1500-459: A roughly 10 ton maximum take off weight, composite fuselage and fly-by-wire controls, the NH90 was designed for NATO interoperability. The MRH-90 can carry two pilots and up to 20 troops, or 12 stretchers. It has weather radar, FLIR sensors, and a glass cockpit, and is powered by two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9 turbine engines producing over 1600 skw (2,230 shp). The helicopter has a retractable tricycle landing gear, two side sliding doors and
1600-674: A secondary search and rescue capability. Advances in sensor and avionic technology lead to the LAMPS Mk II suite being developed by the Naval Air Development Center. In 1974, the Navy conducted a competition to develop the Lamps MK III concept, which would integrate both the aircraft and shipboard systems. The Navy selected IBM Federal Systems as the Prime systems integrator for the Lamps MK III concept. Since
1700-630: A single cabin-door-mounted M60D / M240 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine gun, or GAU-16 .50 in (12.7 mm) machine gun. A standard crew for a SH-60B is one pilot, one ATO/Co-Pilot (Airborne Tactical Officer), and an enlisted aviation warfare systems operator (sensor operator). The U.S. Navy operated the SH-60B in Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron, Light (HSL) squadrons. All HSL squadrons were redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons, and transitioned to
1800-429: A squadron assigned to the carrier John C. Stennis . The primary missions of the MH-60R are anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. According to Lockheed Martin , "secondary missions include search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation and communications and data relay." HSL squadrons in the US have been incrementally transitioning to
1900-413: A stop gap, leasing six AW139 , as well as the urgent procurement of a replacement helicopter. In 2023 there were two incidents that lead to groundings, one with loss of life. In March 2023 an Australian MRH-90 with ten personnel aboard experienced an engine failure and ditched in waters of Jervis Bay with everyone surviving. The helicopter's flotation system was deployed, allowing it to float, where it
2000-482: A total of 47. By September 2015, most flaws had reportedly been addressed. In June 2017, the RAN successfully completed trials aboard HMAS Anzac . In 2015, the Australian Army decided to delay retiring 20 older Black Hawks by four years until the end of 2021 in order to develop a special operations capable MRH-90. This required developing a Fast Roping and Rappelling Extraction System (FRRES) and
2100-783: Is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant modifications are the folding main rotor blades and a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships. The U.S. Navy acquired H-60 helicopters under the model designations SH-60B , SH-60F , HH-60H , MH-60R , and MH-60S . Able to deploy aboard any air-capable frigate , destroyer , cruiser , fast combat support ship , expeditionary transfer dock , amphibious assault ship , littoral combat ship or aircraft carrier ,
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#17328008450342200-531: Is formed the INAS 334 Naval Squadron and will be under the command of Captain M Abhishek Ram. The MH-60Rs have been integrated with the Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant . The new helicopters can be used for rescue operations, especially in night search and rescue missions, as they have night vision goggles and forward-looking infrared facilities. They participated in the Exercise Milan -2024 held by
2300-571: Is its official DoD name. A standard crew for the MH-60S is one pilot, one copilot and two tactical aircrewmen, depending on the mission. With the retirement of the Sea Knight, the squadron designation of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) was retired from the Navy. Operating MH-60S squadrons were re-designated Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC). The MH-60S was to be used for mine clearing from littoral combat ships , but testing found it lacks
2400-464: Is planning to acquire over 500 anti-submarine sonobuoys for the MH-60 fleet. On 6 October 2024, DSCA further cleared the possible sale of 53 aircraft-launched MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo all up rounds for its MH-60R fleet and associated equipment and support, including “in-country torpedo training”. Spain ordered 12 S-70B Seahawks for its Navy . Spain requested six refurbished SH-60Fs through
2500-493: Is to deploy with the AQS-20A Mine Detection System and an Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) for identifying submerged objects in coastal waters. It is the first US Navy helicopter to field a glass cockpit , relaying flight information via four digital monitors. The primary means of defense is door-mounted machine guns such as the M60D, M240D, or GAU-17/A. A "batwing" Armed Helo Kit based on
2600-941: The AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missile. New Zealand's five SH-2G(NZ) models were sold to the Peruvian Navy in October 2014 and replaced by the eight SH-2G(I) models. On April 24, 2023, the New Zealand MOD announced that they are seeking replacements for the Seasprite. From mid-2023, the NZDF initiated a Seasprite Sustainment Work Program to reduce the operational fleet from eight to five. As of 2024, fleet may be withdrawn as part of defense budget cutbacks. Four ex-New Zealand SH-2Gs were re-manufactured and upgraded by Kaman before they were introduced to service with
2700-631: The MH-53E Sea Dragon , allowing smaller ships that the MH-53E cannot operate from, to be used in the role. The ALMDS beams a laser into the water to pick up reflections from things it bounces off of, then uses that data to produce a video image for ground personnel to determine if the object is a mine. The MH-60S will utilize the BAE Systems Archerfish remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to seek out and destroy naval mines from
2800-542: The Minister for Defence stating that the request for the helicopters had come too late, and it was not considered feasible to reassemble the airframes; although public discourse on the retirement has been ongoing. As of early 2024, reports indicate that 45 of the 47 airframes (1 spare airframe and 1 airframe lost in Talisman Sabre accident) will be decommissioned and buried. One year after fatal July 2023 crash,
2900-787: The Royal Danish Air Force . The U.S. government decided to reallocate three MH-60Rs originally destined for the U.S. Navy to the Norwegian Coast Guard, with an estimated delivery in the summer of 2025. Norway will procure six MH-60Rs, with the remaining three delivered by 2027. Norway is considering procuring additional helicopters for the Anti Submarine warfare role for the Royal Norwegian Navy Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate , pending review into how to best satisfy
3000-803: The Royal Saudi Navy . In 2016, Malaysia considered purchasing new helicopters for its Royal Malaysian Navy , with the MH-60R Seahawk, AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat , or the Airbus Helicopters H225M under evaluation for the role. In April 2018, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency received U.S. State Department approval and notified Congress of a possible sale to Mexican Navy of eight MH-60Rs, spare engines, and associated systems. In July 2018, Mexico's president planned to cancel
3100-512: The Russo-Ukrainian War but was denied as none were reportedly flightworthy at the time and the disassembly of the airframes had already commenced. The Department of Defence said that it would not be feasible to return the aircraft to a fully operational state. In addition, there were concerns over providing helicopters marred by troubles if they were reassembled. On the other hand, Ukraine stated that they are less concerned about
Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite - Misplaced Pages Continue
3200-408: The 11 set operational capability milestones, and forced redesigns included bolstered cabin floors and windscreens, rappelling hooks, and door gunner positions; obtaining spare parts and fleet sustainment had also been more costly. The Australian Army was forced to operate its aging S-70A Black Hawks beyond its planned retirement date. Due to the delays, Australia received an additional helicopter for
3300-627: The 2010s and 2020s, with the last B model leaving U.S. Navy service in 2015, after over three decades, then the F and H models followed in 2016. These were replaced by the upgraded MH-60R and S models. In the 1970s, the U.S. Navy began looking for a new helicopter to replace the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite . The SH-2 Seasprite was used by the Navy as its platform for the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mark I avionics suite for maritime warfare and
3400-440: The 2030s. The SH-60B Seahawk completed its last active-duty deployment for the U.S. Navy in late April 2015 after a seven-month deployment aboard USS Gary . After 32 years and over 3.6 million hours of service, the SH-60B was formally retired from U.S. Navy service during a ceremony on 11 May 2015 at Naval Air Station North Island . In late November 2015 USS Theodore Roosevelt returned from its deployment, ending
3500-610: The 46, was added and allowed one air-frame to be used as a Ground Training Device. Overall the MRH-90 supplemented or replaced Black Hawks or Sea Kings in Australian service. The procurement included the Australian Industry Capability Package , which included final construction facilities in Australia, at facilities in Townsville, Oakey, Nowra and Holsworthy, Australia. On 20 April 2010,
3600-556: The Aircraft Survival Equipment (ASE) package including the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer , AVR-2 Laser Detectors, APR-39(V)2 Radar Detectors, AAR-47 Missile Launch Detectors and ALE-47 chaff/flare dispensers. Engine exhaust deflectors provide infrared thermal reduction, reducing the threat of heat-seeking missiles. The HH-60H can carry up to four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles on an extended wing using
3700-402: The Army's MRH-90 fleet with new UH-60M Black Hawks; their retirement date was moved to 2024. In April 2022, the RAN ceased flying their MRH-90s and stored them. In May 2022, the government announced that the RAN's six MRH-90s would be replaced with more MH-60R Seahawks; it already operated 24 Seahawks, delivered between 2013 and 2016, alongside the MRH-90. In August 2022, Australia approved
3800-478: The Army's UH-60L was developed to accommodate Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 2.75 inch rockets, or larger guns. The MH-60S can be equipped with a nose-mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret to be used in conjunction with Hellfire missiles. It carries the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer. The MH-60S is unofficially known as the "Knighthawk", referring to the preceding Sea Knight, though "Seahawk"
3900-631: The Army's aging S-70A Black Hawk helicopters. In June 2006, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) announced plans to replace its S-70A-9 Black Hawk and Westland Sea King helicopters; a further 34 NH90s were ordered for a total of 46; four were manufactured in Europe while 42 being manufactured locally by Australian Aerospace (an Airbus Helicopters subsidiary) in Brisbane . Its ADF designation and name "MRH-90 Taipan" refers to its use as
4000-657: The CH-60S, after sea demonstrations with a converted UH-60. The variant first flew on 27 January 2000 and it began flight testing later that year. The CH-60S was redesignated MH-60S in February 2001 to reflect its planned multi-mission use. The MH-60S is based on the UH-60L and has many naval SH-60 features. Unlike all other Navy H-60s, the MH-60S is not based on the original S-70B/SH-60B platform, with its forward-mounted twin tail-gear and single starboard sliding cabin door. Instead,
4100-814: The Indian Ocean Region (IOR). In July 2021, the U.S. Navy handed over the first two MH-60Rs to the Indian Navy at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego. In 2022, the Royal Norwegian Air Force considered the UH-60 as a replacement for the NHIndustries NH90 . In March 2023, Norway decided to procure MH-60R Sea Hawks for the Norwegian Coast Guard . Training is to start immediately in cooperation with
Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite - Misplaced Pages Continue
4200-525: The Iraqi theater supported special operations ground forces missions. A west coast Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41, received the MH-60R aircraft in December 2005 and began training the first set of pilots. In 2007, the R-model successfully underwent final testing for incorporation into the fleet. In August 2008, the first 11 combat-ready Romeos arrived at HSM-71 ,
4300-596: The July 2023 crash. At the time of its grounding, there were 38 MRH-90s in service. The ADF invested about $ 3.5 billion over two decades in the program. In February 2024, the Australian Government announced that it would lease five H135 Juno from the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for five years, to support "essential training requirements" for Army pilots. The helicopters may also be used for personnel or equipment transport in
4400-504: The M299 launcher, and a variety of mountable guns including M60D, M240, GAU-16 and GAU-17/A machine guns. The HH-60H's standard crew is a pilot, a copilot, an enlisted crew chief, and two door gunners or one rescue swimmer. Originally operated by HCS-5 and HCS-4 (later HSC-84), these two special USNR squadrons were established with the primary mission of Naval Special Warfare and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). Due to SOCOM budget issues,
4500-613: The MH-60 sale to cut government spending. In February 2011, India selected the S-70B over the NHIndustries NH90 for an acquisition of 16 multirole helicopters, for the Indian Navy to replace its aging Westland Sea King fleet. India selected the Seahawk for procurement in November 2014. In June 2017, India's Ministry of Defence terminated the procurement program over a pricing issue. In August 2018, India's Defence Ministry approved
4600-536: The MH-60R and have nearly completed the transition. The first MH-60Rs in Japan arrived in October 2012. The recipient was HSM-51 , the Navy's forward–deployed LAMPS squadron, home based in Atsugi, Japan. The Warlords transitioned from the SH-60B throughout 2013, and shifted each detachment to the new aircraft as they returned from deployments. HSM-51 will have all MH-60R aircraft at the end of 2013. The Warlords are joined by
4700-834: The MH-60R between 2006 and 2015. The SH-60J is a version of the SH-60B for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force with different avionics. The SH-60K is a modified version of the SH-60J. The SH-60J and SH-60K are built under license by Mitsubishi in Japan. After the SH-60B entered service, the Navy conducted a competition to replace the SH-3 Sea King . The competitors were Sikorsky, Kaman and IBM (avionics only). Sikorsky began development of this variant in March 1985. In January 1986, seven SH-60Fs were ordered including two prototypes (BuNos 163282/3). The first example flew on 19 March 1987. The SH-60F
4800-595: The MH-60R competed with the NHIndustries NH90 to replace the S-70B-2. In June 2011, the MH-60R was selected to replace the S-70B-2. 24 MH-60Rs were ordered to be equipped with the Mark 54 and the Hellfire with deliveries commencing in mid-2014. The US approved a Foreign Military Sale of 24 MH-60Rs in July 2010. The first MH-60R was delivered to the RAN in 2013 and the last was delivered in 2016. In 2018, Australia signed
4900-443: The MH-60Rs in February 2020. These helicopters are to aid in detecting and destroying enemy submarines prowling in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). On 16 July 2021, the U.S. Navy handed over the first two MH-60Rs to the Indian Navy at Naval Air Station North Island , San Diego . At least four were commissioned on 6 March 2024, in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh at their planned home base of INS Garuda in Kochi . They
5000-420: The MH-60S. The last HS squadron completed its transition in 2016. The HH-60H was developed in conjunction with the US Coast Guard's HH-60J , beginning in September 1986 with a contract for the first five helicopters with Sikorsky as the prime contractor. The variant's first flight occurred on 17 August 1988. Deliveries of the HH-60H began in 1989. The variant earned initial operating capability in April 1990 and
5100-517: The MRH-90 fleet. The government placed the order in September 2022. The Royal Danish Navy (RDN) put the MH-60R on a short list for a requirement of around 12 new naval helicopters, together with the NH90/NFH, H-92, AW159 and AW101. The Request For Proposal was issued in September 2010. In November 2010, Denmark requested approval for a possible purchase of 12 MH-60Rs through a Foreign Military Sale. In November 2012, Denmark selected 9 MH-60Rs to replace its 7 aging Lynx helicopters. In October 2015,
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#17328008450345200-451: The MRH-90. In February 2019, the first two of 12 MRH-90s for special operations were delivered to 6th Aviation Regiment . In June 2021, all MRH-90s were temporarily grounded due to lack of maintenance and spare parts which had to be shipped from Europe. Australia filled service gaps created by the groundings, operational pauses, and early retirement by extending the older S-70A's service life, by buying additional Chinook helicopters as
5300-431: The NFH variant lost to the Sikorsky MH-60R in competition to replace the RAN S-70B3Sea Hawks. In July 2014, the Australian National Audit Office released a report on the MRH-90, citing procurement errors and development deficiencies delaying final operational capability (FOC), originally set for that month, until April 2019, nearly five years later than planned. NH90s first delivered in 2007 had not yet validated any of
5400-446: The Navy. On 24 August 2024, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved a possible order worth $ 52.8 million for sonobuoys and related equipment. The deal includes the sale of 3 types of High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys including AN/SSQ-53G/O , AN/SSQ-62F , and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys may be a part of the deal. The sonobuoys are to be integrated onboard MH-60R "Romeo" for ASW operations. The Indian Navy
5500-506: The Peruvian Navy. The "implementation phase" of Peru's Seasprite purchase concluded in 2018. The helicopters will be operated from the Navy's Lupo -class frigates . The Polish Navy operates four of these aircraft, which were included in the purchase of two Oliver Hazard Perry -class frigates from the United States Navy. The frigates are now operating as ORP Generał Tadeusz Kościuszko and Generał Kazimierz Pułaski . In 2007 they were modified to carry one MU90 Impact torpedo and
5600-690: The S-70,. Australia did end up using 6 MRH-90 Taipan (the Australian NH-90) for a period in the 2010s in Naval service, but overall went with upgraded SH-60. In 1995, Egypt signed a contract for 10 SH-2Gs for use by the Egyptian Navy . These helicopters had been equipped for anti-submarine duties and to be deployed on the Navy's ships as required; the procurement included AQS-18A dipping sonar, search radars, and an electronic support suite. They are often operated alongside Egypt's fleet of Westland Sea Kings . The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) replaced its Westland Wasps with four interim SH-2F Seasprites (ex-US Navy), to operate with Anzac -class frigates until
5700-760: The S-model is a hybrid, featuring the main fuselage of the S-70A/UH-60, with large sliding doors on both sides of the cabin and a single aft-mounted tail wheel, and the folding tail pylon, engines, drivetrain and rotors of the S-70B/SH-60. It includes the integrated glass cockpit developed by Lockheed Martin for the MH-60R and shares some of the same avionics/weapons systems. It is deployed aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships , Maritime Sealift Command ships, and fast combat support ships . Its missions include vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, maritime interdiction, close air support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and special warfare support. The MH-60S
5800-663: The SH-2 was not large enough to carry the Navy's required equipment, a new airframe was required. In the mid-1970s, the Army evaluated the Sikorsky YUH-60 and Boeing Vertol YUH-61 for its Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition. The Navy based its requirements on the Army's UTTAS specification, to decrease costs from commonality as the new airframe to carry the Lamps MK III avionics. In April 1977, Sikorsky and Boeing-Vertol submitted proposals for Navy versions of their Army UTTAS helicopters for review. The Navy also looked at helicopters being produced by Bell , Kaman , Westland and MBB , but these were too small for
5900-484: The SH-2G program was started. The US Navy wanted better anti-submarine capabilities and felt upgrading existing helicopters would be a more cost-effective approach; moreover legacy Knox -class and early "short-hull" Perry -class frigates operating the SH-2F could not operate the larger SH-60B Seahawk . The prototype YSH-2G first flew on 2 April 1985. The prototype was a modified SH-2F fitted with two more powerful General Electric T700-GE-401/401C engines. The G-model has
6000-429: The SH-60B are surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. It carries a complex system of sensors, including a towed magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) and air-launched sonobuoys . Other sensors include the APS-124 search radar, ALQ-142 ESM system and optional nose-mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret. Munitions carried include the Mk 46 , Mk 50 , or Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo , AGM-114 Hellfire missile, and
6100-423: The SH-60F to the MH-60S from 2005 to 2011 and were to be redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC). As one of the two squadrons in the US Navy dedicated to Naval Special Warfare support and combat search and rescue, the HCS-5 Firehawks squadron deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. The squadron completed 900 combat air missions and over 1,700 combat flight hours. The majority of their flights in
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#17328008450346200-433: The Saberhawks of HSM-77. On 23 July 2013, Sikorsky delivered the 400th MH-60, an MH-60R, to the U.S. Navy. This included 166 MH-60R versions and 234 MH-60S versions. The MH-60S is in production until 2015 and will total a fleet of 275 aircraft, and the MH-60R is in production until 2017 and will total a fleet of 291 aircraft. The two models have flown 660,000 flight hours. Seahawk helicopters are to remain in Navy service into
6300-480: The Seahawk can handle anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), naval special warfare (NSW) insertion, search and rescue (SAR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). When entering service, the SH-60 was too large to operate from some of the smaller vessels in service, so it served along with the Kaman SH-2F and SH-2G models until 2001. Early model Seahawks began to be retired in
6400-507: The Seasprite project was "almost certain to be scrapped". At this point, the project was six years over schedule and its cost had grown to A$ 1.1 billion, with an additional A$ 45 million forecast as required for further upgrades. If approved the squadron would still not reach operational status until 2010. The sale or scrapping of the fleet was under consideration, possible replacements included the NHIndustries NH90 or further orders of Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawks . On 25 May 2007, The Age reported
6500-430: The South Korean government purchased 12 MH-60Rs. In July 2010 Tunisia requested 12 refurbished SH-60Fs through a Foreign Military Sale. But the change in government there in January 2011 may interfere with an order. In 2011, Qatar requested a potential Foreign Military Sale of up to 6 MH-60R helicopters, engines and other associated equipment. In late June 2012, Qatar requested another 22 Seahawks, 12 fitted with
6600-421: The US Navy accepted two mission ready MH-60R helicopters for Denmark. In October 2018, Lockheed Martin was in the process of delivering the ninth and final MH-60R to Denmark. In July 2009, the Republic of Korea requested eight MH-60S helicopters, 16 GE T700-401C engines, and related sensor systems to be sold in a Foreign Military Sale . South Korea instead chose the AW159 in January 2013. In December 2020,
6700-400: The air. Selected as a concept in 2003 by the Navy as part of the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) program and developed since 2007, the Archerfish is dropped into the water from its launch cradle, where its human operator remotely guides it down towards the mine using a fiber optics communications cable that leads back up to the helicopter. Using sonar and low-light video, it locates
6800-604: The aircraft were assembled by Australian Aerospace, which was part of Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter before 2014). The helicopter was ordered by the Australian Department of Defence starting in 2004 to fulfil the AIR 9000 programme. Twelve were ordered in 2004 for Phase 2 of AIR 9000, and an additional 34 were ordered in 2006 in later phases. The Australian assembled aircraft were part of the Australian Industry Capability Package, which included work at facilities in Townsville, Oakey, Nowra and Holsworthy, Australia. By 2011, 15 aircraft had been delivered. A 47th MRH-90, in addition to
6900-445: The airframes destined to be buried. The MRH-90 was one of many helicopters types operated by the Australian Defence Force during this period, including various types of multi-role helicopters. The MRH-90 supplemented and eventually replaced the then in-service Sikorsky Black Hawk and Westland Sea King helicopters in the early 2000s. The MRH-90 Taipan was the Australian version of the NHI Industries NH90 multirole helicopter, with
7000-472: The armed helicopter modification kit and T700-401C engines with an option to purchase an additional six Seahawks and more engines. In 2011, Singapore bought six S-70Bs. In 2013, they ordered an additional two. In early 2015, Israel ordered eight ex-Navy SH-60Fs to support the expansion of the Israeli Navy surface fleet for ASW, ASuW and SAR roles. In 2015, Saudi Arabia requested the sale of ten MH-60R helicopters and associated equipment and support for
7100-421: The end of 2015. All the aircraft were in service by 2016. The NZDF's five SH-2G(NZ) Seasprites were officially retired on 14 April 2016, and conducted their last flight on 21 April after serving since August 2001. They were replaced with eight re-manufactured SH-2G(I) models, allowing the Navy to embark up to three helicopters from ships at once instead of two. The "I" model also replaces the AGM-65 Maverick with
7200-526: The fleet of five new SH-2G Super Seasprites were delivered. The Navy air element was transferred to No. 6 Squadron RNZAF at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai in October 2005. RNZN Seasprites have seen service in East Timor . New Zealand purchased five SH-2Gs at the same time as Australia. However, New Zealand opted for new-build airframes that were outfitted with different avionics. The SH-2G purchase
7300-423: The flight software and maintenance. In July 2023, an Australian MRH-90 crashed at night during Exercise Talisman Sabre off the coast of Hamilton Island , Queensland , with the loss of its four crew. By early August, the cockpit and human remains were recovered in the debris field in 40 meters of water, consistent with a catastrophic impact. On 8 August 2023, divers recovered the flight data recorder . It
7400-569: The government would continue to support the Seasprite; Defence Minister Brendan Nelson commented that progress on the project was being closely monitored. Following the election of the new Labor government, The Australian reported on 31 January 2008 that the SH-2G(A) program was likely to be canceled due to cost overruns; additionally it was still not operational despite the original contract being signed in 1997. The same article also noted that Sikorsky had submitted an offer of several 'off
7500-544: The helicopters for $ NZ242 million was announced on 19 April 2013. Eight of the aircraft will enter service with the RNZAF to replace the existing five Seasprites, and the remaining two will be used as a source of spare parts. The New Zealand Ministry of Defence accepted the first of the helicopters in the United States on 1 December 2014, and two more were delivered to Auckland in early 2015. Deliveries were completed by
7600-448: The issues, because in a combat zone the risk profile is completely different. However, because of timing, the helicopters were already being stripped of parts, to be prepared for burial, as was done with Australia's F-111s , as of early 2024 most of the airframes are stored partially dissembled in a warehouse in Australia. The disposal plan that was developed, did not include transfer to other operators, as no buyers could be found, with
7700-509: The last active-duty operational deployment of both the SH-60F and HH-60H. The models are to be transferred to other squadrons or placed in storage. In February 2011, India selected the S-70B over the NHIndustries NH90 for an acquisition of 16 multirole helicopters for the Indian Navy to replace its aging Westland Sea King fleet. India selected the Seahawk for procurement in November 2014. In June 2017, India's Ministry of Defence terminated
7800-567: The mine, and is then instructed to shoot a shaped charge explosive to detonate it. In April 2016, BAE was awarded a contract to build and deliver the ROVs. The Navy received the first production SH-60B in February 1983 and assigned it to squadron HSL-41 . The helicopter entered service in 1984, and began its first deployment in 1985. The SH-60F entered operational service on 22 June 1989 with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 10 (HS-10) at NAS North Island. SH-60F squadrons planned to shift from
7900-505: The mission. In early 1978, the Navy selected Sikorsky's S-70B design, which was designated "SH-60B Seahawk". IBM was the prime systems integrator for the Lamps MK III with Sikorsky as the airframe manufacturer. The SH-60B maintained 83% commonality with the UH-60A. The main changes were corrosion protection, more powerful T700 engines, single-stage oleo main landing gear, removal of the left side door, adding two weapon pylons, and shifting
8000-516: The navy's ASW needs. MRH-90 Taipan The NHIndustries MRH-90 Taipan was a version of the NH90 multirole helicopter in service with the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy in the early 21st century. It entered service in December 2007, and was withdrawn from service in 2022 by the Navy and in 2023 by the Army. Most of the aircraft were assembled in Australia. The fleet
8100-589: The operators section of the SH-2 Seasprite . In the 1990s, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) decided that it needed an intermediate helicopter to operate from the Anzac -class frigates and the planned offshore patrol vessel (OPV), a proposed cooperative project with Malaysia ; however, due to its size, the OPV could operate only a small helicopter. In 1997, the Australian Government signed
8200-536: The other being HSM-60 equipped with the MH-60R. In Iraq, HH-60Hs were used by the Navy, assisting the Army, for MEDEVAC purposes and special operations missions. The MH-60R "Romeo" was originally known as "LAMPS Mark III Block II Upgrade" when development began in 1993 with Lockheed Martin, formerly IBM/Loral. Two SH-60Bs were converted by Sikorsky, the first of which made its maiden flight on 22 December 1999. Designated YSH-60R, they were delivered to NAS Patuxent River in 2001 for flight testing. The production variant
8300-522: The power to safely tow the detection equipment. In August 2014, the U.S. Navy forward deployed the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) to the U.S. 5th Fleet . The ALMDS is a sensor system designed to detect, classify, and localize floating and near-surface moored mines in littoral zones, straits, and choke points. The system is operated from an MH-60S, which gives it a countermine role traditionally handled by
8400-600: The procurement program over a pricing issue. Then in August 2018, India's Defence Ministry approved the purchase of 24 MH-60R helicopters. In April 2019, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved sale of 24 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters to India for US$ 2.6 bn and notified Congress of the proposed sale. India signed a ₹ 15,157 crore (equivalent to ₹ 180 billion or US$ 2.1 billion in 2023) contract for
8500-579: The purchase of 24 MH-60R helicopters. In April 2019, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved a sale of 24 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters to India for US$ 2.6 bn and notified Congress of the proposed sale. India signed a $ 2.13 billion (~$ 2.47 billion in 2023) (Rs 15,157 Crores) contract for the MH-60Rs in February 2020. These helicopters are to aid in detecting and destroying enemy submarines prowling in
8600-418: The purchase of 40 UH-60M Blackhawks to replace the MRH-90. On 29 September 2023, the Australian Government announced that the MRH-90 would not return to ADF service, bringing forward the previously planned retirement date from December 2024. Officials stated the early retirement was not meant to suggest the outcome of the crash investigation, which was still ongoing; with the fleet having been grounded since
8700-553: The shelf' helicopters to replace Australia's SH-2G(A)s. On 5 March 2008, the project was canceled by the government; Kaman noted the project's end "on mutually agreed terms". Opposition parties also supported the decision to cancel. The remaining aircraft were returned to Kaman. Following the cancellation of the Super Seasprite, S-70 Seahawks from 816 Squadron were assigned to the Anzac -class frigates. Australia already operated
8800-510: The squadrons were deactivated in 2006 and 2016 respectively. The HH-60H was also operated by Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons, with a standard dispersal of six F-models and two or three H-models, before the transition of HS squadrons to HSC squadrons equipped with the MH-60S, the last of which completed its transition in 2016. The only squadron equipped with the HH-60H as of 2016 is HSC-85 , one of only two remaining USNR helicopter squadrons,
8900-400: The tail landing gear 13 feet (3.96 m) forward to reduce the footprint for shipboard landing. Other changes included larger fuel cells, an electric blade folding system, folding horizontal stabilators for storage, and adding a 25-tube pneumatic sonobuoy launcher on the left side. An emergency flotation system was originally installed in the stub wing fairings of the main landing gear. It
9000-432: Was based on the SH-60B airframe, but with upgraded SH-3H avionics. The SH-60F primarily served as the carrier battle group's primary antisubmarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. The helicopter hunted submarines with its AQS-13 F dipping sonar , and carried a 6-tube sonobuoy launcher. The SH-60F is unofficially named "Oceanhawk". The SH-60F can carry Mk 46 , Mk 50 , or Mk 54 torpedoes for its offensive weapons, and it has
9100-587: Was completed at NZ$ 12 million under the $ 338 million budgeted (excluding GST). The first RNZN SH-2G(NZ) was delivered in mid-2001, and the last was delivered February 2003. The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) operates the type from its two Anzac -class frigates, two Protector-class offshore patrol vessels , and the multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury . They were initially operated by the Naval Support Flight of No. 3 Squadron RNZAF , but now from No. 6 Squadron RNZAF . An urgent operational need
9200-422: Was deployed to Desert Storm with HCS-4 and HCS-5 in 1991. The HH-60H's official DoD and Sikorsky name is Seahawk , though it has been called "Rescue Hawk". Based on the SH-60F, the HH-60H is the primary combat search and rescue (CSAR), naval special warfare (NSW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) helicopter. It carries various defensive and offensive sensors. These include a FLIR turret with laser designator, and
9300-499: Was determined there was not a link between the Jervis bay incident and the Talisman Sabre crash, which was ruled out by late 2023, however the investigation was ongoing into many factors such as weather, route, and other helicopter systems. The MRH-90 was originally scheduled to be retired in 2037. In December 2021, on the same day the older generation of S-70 Black Hawks were retired, the Australian Government announced plans to replace
9400-563: Was for RNAF to use the FH MAG 58 machine gun on the helicopter, and this was fielded by 2008. In May 2012, Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman announced that Cabinet had given Defence officials approval to negotiate with Kaman Corporation for the 11 helicopters and flight simulator from the canceled Australian SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite project. It is thought the 11 helicopters, worth NZ$ 1.4 billion in 2008, would cost New Zealand between NZ$ 130 million to NZ$ 230 million. A decision to purchase ten of
9500-470: Was found to be impractical and possibly impeded emergency egress, and was removed. Five YSH-60B Seahawk LAMPS III prototypes were ordered. The first YSH-60B flight occurred on 12 December 1979. The first production SH-60B made its first flight on 11 February 1983. The SH-60B entered operational service in 1984, with its first operational deployment in 1985. The SH-60B is deployed primarily aboard frigates , destroyers , and cruisers . The primary missions of
9600-539: Was lost in 2023 the Army MRH-90s were withdrawn from service a year earlier in September 2023. The Navy operated 6 MRH-90s for support and logistics including from the Canberra-class Landing helicopter dock (LHD), which were withdrawn from service in 2022, a year earlier then the Army. With no buyers, the fleet ended up in storage with major components being sold for parts to other operators, and
9700-439: Was originally scheduled for retirement in 2037. After the aircraft's withdrawal, they were offered for sale then disassembled for parts which is ongoing as of 2024. A total of 47 helicopters were acquired, primarily operated by the Army with 40 in service with 12 of those made special operations capable. High-maintenance costs and several groundings led to their retirement date being brought forward to 2024. After an Army airframe
9800-925: Was redesignated MH-60R to match its multi-mission capability. The MH-60R was deployed by the US Navy in 2006. The MH-60R is designed to combine the features of the SH-60B and SH-60F. Its avionics includes dual controls and instead of the complex array of dials and gauges in Bravo and Foxtrot aircraft, 4 fully integrated 8" x 10" night vision goggle -compatible and sunlight-readable color multi-function displays , all part of glass cockpit produced by Owego Helo Systems division of Lockheed Martin . Onboard sensors include: AAR-47 Missile Approach Warning System by ATK, Raytheon AAS-44 electro-optical system that integrates FLIR and laser rangefinder , ALE-39 decoy dispenser and ALQ-144 infrared jammer by BAE Systems , ALQ-210 electronic support measures system by Lockheed Martin, APS-147 multi-mode radar/IFF interrogator, which during
9900-475: Was the only country who expressed interest in buying entire helicopters rather than just parts, but a deal was not worked out. The Australian government then decided to dismantle the fleet for key spare parts, including the engine, avionics and other subsystems, which will be removed from the airframes and offered to other NH90 operators, while country specific upgrades will be buried with the airframe. Ukraine officially requested Australia's MRH-90s for use in
10000-518: Was towed onto a nearby beach. Following the incident, all MRH-90s were grounded pending an investigation. Early indications pointed to a missing flight software update. The MRH-90 returned to service on 6 April 2023. It was later reported the Jervis Bay ditch was caused by a turbine blade failure in the engine, however this was related to a known engine and maintenance issue identified ten years prior part of more complicated overall situation with
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